Myth That Exercise and Arthritis Don't Mix Still Lingers

Most patients still believe
something other than exercise is the most effective non-drug
treatment for osteoarthritis, according to a new poll by
Spine-health.


The Spine-health poll of 897 back pain patients shows
that 53% of patients chose options besides exercise as the
best course of action for treating osteoarthritis pain and
inflammation. Eighteen percent chose "heat/ice", 12% chose
"rest", 12% chose "manipulation (e.g.,
chiropractic/osteopathic adjustments)", 9% chose
"acupuncture" and 2% chose "support devices (e.g., a
brace)".


"For years, people with arthritis thought the right answer
was to avoid activity, physical therapy and exercise, for
fear that their pain would get worse. Well, avoiding
activity and exercise is actually the wrong answer," says
Vert Mooney, M.D., an orthopedic spine surgeon in San Diego,
and author of a new article published on Spine-health
about spinal osteoarthritis treatment options. "The common
thread among most osteoarthritis patients successfully
managing their condition, including reducing pain and
improving movement, is regular exercise. While the poll
results show that more and more people understand the role
of exercise in helping improve osteoarthritis symptoms,
there is work to do in adequately busting the myth that
arthritis and exercise don't mix."


Of the several varieties of arthritis, the most common,
disabling and often the most painful is osteo- (meaning
bone) arthritis, mostly affecting knees, hips, hands, feet
and the spine. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative
joint disease, affects up to 30 million Americans, mostly
women and usually those over 45 or 50 years of age.
Normally, joints have remarkably little friction and move
easily, but with degeneration of the joint, the cartilage
becomes rough and likely worn out - causing the joint halves
to rub against each other, creating pain and limiting
motion.


For those with osteoarthritis, exercise should focus on
strengthening the muscles around the joints (removing some
stress from the joints), improving joint mobility and
reducing joint stiffness and pain. The recommended
categories of exercise usually include strengthening (done
on resistance or weight machines or with exercise bands),
low impact aerobics, and range of motion exercises. Popular
activities for arthritis sufferers include gentle exercises
such as swimming and other water therapy, walking,
stationary cycling, yoga, even golf. "The key is making the
patient's muscles work harder (not necessarily faster or
longer) than they usually do with normal daily activity.
However, exercise needs to be done correctly to avoid
causing further joint pain and should be guided by an
appropriately trained physical therapist or other
professional," adds Dr. Mooney.


Further information on osteoarthritis and treatment options,
including exercise, medication, and surgery, can be viewed
at spine-health.


About Spine-health


Spine-healthprovides in-depth information and resources
for patients with back pain, neck pain, and a full range of
spinal disorders. Written and peer-reviewed by spine
specialists, the site includes thousands of pages of
original articles, animations, clinical trials, and spine
physician web pages.